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Welcome! I’m Mary Lee… the knitter and designer behind Fifty Four Ten Studio. I have been knitting, sewing and crafting since I was about eight years old. I published my first knitting pattern in 2013 and my collection now includes more than 70 designs. Fifty Four Ten Studio is named for the house number of the home my grandparents purchased when my mother was a young girl.

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How to get 'clean' edges when knitting blankets...

How to get 'clean' edges when knitting blankets...

 

I tend to obsess about the edges! Here's the three things I focus on for the edges:

1. Pull the first stitch of each row a bit tighter: When I am knitting I pull the yarn a bit tighter when I work the first stitch of each row.  Some knitters like to slip the first stitch or the last stitch of a row...but I don't...especially on blankets or scarves that do not have seams.

Pull the first stitch of each row a bit tighter for a clean edge.

Pull the first stitch of each row a bit tighter for a clean edge.

2. Change skeins of yarn mid-row: When I am knitting a blanket or other project where clean edges are important...I make mid-row transitions from one skein of yarn to the next. When a project doesn't have seams I would rather hide woven in ends in the middle of the row.

Weaving in ends on back of project...in the middle of rows.

Weaving in ends on back of project...in the middle of rows.

3. Careful blocking: Taking the time to carefully block a finished blanket or other knitted object is essential. It's really important to carefully pin the knitting in exactly the shape desired with very straight edges so that the knitting will look the best when dry. Read more about blocking on this blog post.

Careful blocking includes pinning the edges in place.

Careful blocking includes pinning the edges in place.

In case you are wondering...the pattern shown in the photo above is my Third Street Blanket.

If you have a question when working on one of my patterns please feel free to contact me. The best way to reach me if you have a question is to use the email address provided in the pattern.  I usually check my email multiple times a day and try to respond in a timely manner.

Thanks so much for your questions and interest in my knitting patterns.

Happy knitting!

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Four Easy Blanket Knitting Patterns - Favorite Patterns for Beginners!

Four Easy Blanket Knitting Patterns - Favorite Patterns for Beginners!

How to identify the right and wrong side of garter stitch...

How to identify the right and wrong side of garter stitch...

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